What is motorcycle insurance?

There’s nothing quite like owning a motorcycle. The freedom of hitting the open road and feeling the wind on your face can't be described with words — nor should it. While safety apparel and motorcycle insurance are probably the least exciting aspects of owning a new bike, it is still important to ensure that you and your ride are protected.

The good news is motorcycle insurance is pretty similar to auto insurance — it comes with liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage for you, your passengers, and your bike. Let’s get into the basics of motorcycle insurance coverage, beginning with the various coverage options.

 

Motorcycle insurance — table of contents:
  1. Where to buy motorcycle insurance
  2. What’s covered by my insurance?
  3. Motorcycle insurance discounts
  4. Motorcycle insurance considerations
  5. What is the minimum coverage for my state?
  6. Motorcycle accident statistics

 

 

Where to buy motorcycle insurance

Most major insurance providers offer multiple lines of insurance — including motorcycle coverage. Here at The Zebra, we work with Liberty Mutual, Foremost, and Dairyland to offer you competitive quotes for a motorcycle insurance policy. Below are the coverage-specific options for each company.

 

Liberty Mutual motorcycle insurance

Liberty Mutual provides all the basic coverage options you can think of: collision, comprehensive, liability, etc., along with the below add-ons:

  • Better bike replacement: this coverage will give you the upfront costs for a new bike after a total loss.
  • Accessory coverage: this provides coverage to any new features you make to your bike.
  • 24-hour roadside assistance: this coverage will provide you with roadside assistance if your bike is undrivable.

 

Foremost motorcycle insurance

Foremost is one of the biggest motorcycle providers in the U.S. The company offers a three-tier insurance program: 

  1. Saver: this includes basic coverage including collision, comprehensive, and liability as well as coverage for your helmet, apparel, and roadside assistance.
  2. Plus: this includes all of the Saver options plus trip interruption and coverage for track racing. This coverage almost increases the amount of your basic coverages in a Saver policy.
  3. Elite: includes all coverage previously mentioned (with higher limits) as well as a diminishing deductible, permissive use, and coverage for any personal belongings on your bike.

 

Dairyland motorcycle insurance

Dairyland advertises low rates and offers a wide range of coverage options:

  • Helmet coverage
  • Optional equipment coverage
  • Excursion diversion coverage
  • Roadside assistance
  • Physical damage plus — OEM parts

If you're looking for affordable motorcycle insurance, click below to see quotes from Dairyland.

 
Get motorcycle insurance quotes
 

 

Motorcycle insurance coverages

Most insurance policies include liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Let’s break that down further.

 

Liability insurance

Liability insurance, coverage for damage you cause to other property or individuals, is required in 47 states with the exception of Florida, Montana, and New Hampshire. The lowest amount of coverage you’re required to have is the same as the requirement for auto insurance. Check out the table below for more details on the required amounts of coverage by state.

 

Collision and comprehensive coverage for motorcycles

Collision and comprehensive covers physical damage to your motorcycle. Collision coverage refers to when you collide with another vehicle or your vehicle is otherwise damaged in a typical car accident. Comprehensive coverage, or sometimes called “other than collision", would cover your motorcycle if it was stolen or damaged by an animal in the road. As with car insurance, collision and comprehensive utilizes deductibles that are deducted from a claims payout. Deductibles vary per your choice as well as your insurance company but typically range from $250 to $1,000.

 

Medical payments coverage

Known as Med Pay coverage, medical payments coverage handles medical costs incurred by you and any passengers injured in an accident. While riding a motorcycle presents an array of benefits, it can still be dangerous regardless of your level of skill or care. Consider if additional medical payments are right for you (note: it is not available in every state).

 

Insurance for custom motorcycle parts and accessories

Comprehensive and collision insurance typically covers damages to custom parts and accessories. Insurance companies typically cover up to $3,000 for your personalizations. So, let’s say you have a completely customized Harley Davidson motorcycle that cost you a pretty penny. You may want to consider increasing your insurance limits if your add-ons are worth more than what your insurance company will cover.

 

Roadside assistance

In the event of a breakdown, roadside assistance would help cover on-site towing and labor.

 

Layup period

Hitting the open road is less desirable when it’s below freezing outside and insurance companies understand this. So, they offer what they call a lay-up period. During times of less-than-favorable riding conditions, you can place your motorcycle in storage and reduce your coverage — thereby reducing your premium as well. While in this period, you will usually still maintain comprehensive insurance if your vehicle is vandalized or stolen — but you won’t have any type of liability insurance.

 

 

Motorcycle insurance discounts

Many companies will offer discounts to policyholders who meet certain requirements.

Some common motorcycle policy discounts include:  

  • Multi-policy discount (bundling with your car or home coverage)
  • Multiple motorcycle savings
  • Discounts for transferring coverage
  • Renewal savings
  • Taking/teaching a motorcycle safety course
  • Accident forgiveness
  • Safe driver
  • Paid-in-full discounts

 

 

Motorcycle insurance considerations

If you're looking for the best motorcycle insurance coverage, there are many things to consider. There are a number of things that can impact your rates, including your driving record, age, and credit history. The type of motorcycle you ride could also impact your rates. For instance, custom motorcycles may have higher premiums due to their unique, one-of-a-kind parts.

 

 

How much motorcycle insurance coverage do you need?

Minimums by state:

State Motorcycle Insurance Limits Required by State
Alabama
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Alaska
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Arizona
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Arkansas
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
California
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Colorado
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Connecticut
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Delaware
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Florida
  • $10,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
  • Florida requires a $10,000 medical benefit, but that can come from your health insurance
 Yes
Georgia
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Hawaii
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Idaho
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Illinois
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Indiana
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Iowa
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
  • Surety bond, cash, or securities of $55,000
 No
Kansas
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Kentucky
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Louisiana
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Maine
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Maryland
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Massachusetts
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Michigan
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 No
Minnesota
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
  • $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
 Yes
Mississippi
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Missouri
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Montana
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Nebraska
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Nevada
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
New Hampshire
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 No
New Jersey
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
New Mexico
  • You can either prove financial independence by leaving 60k in cash or surety bond with the treasurer's office or get liability insurance. Same as car limits.
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
New York
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 liability for death per person
  • $100,000 liability for death per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $50,000 personal injury protection
 Yes
North Carolina
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
North Dakota
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Ohio
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Oklahoma
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Oregon
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Pennsylvania
  • $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Rhode Island
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
South Carolina
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
South Dakota
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Tennessee
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Texas
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Utah
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $65,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Vermont
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Virginia
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Washington
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
West Virginia
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage
 Yes
Wisconsin
  • You are required to show financially responsibility either with a $60,000 cash deposit with the Wisconsin department of transportation, posting a bond issued by an insurance company, or having liability insurance.
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Wyoming
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 property damage liability per accident
 Yes
Washington DC
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
  • $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
  • $5,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

 

 Yes

 

Key motorcycle accident statistics and insights

Each year, thousands of Americans die in motorcycle accidents. More often than not, those that die or are seriously injured are the riders themselves. If you are a motorcyclist yourself, wearing a helmet will almost always mitigate severe injury or death. Do what you can to protect yourself and others, as well as prevent your insurance rates from increasing after getting into an accident.

The Zebra reviewed studies from government associations, non-profits and highway authorities to gather the most recent and important motorcycle accident statistics. 

  1. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a car crash than are passenger car occupants. (Insurance Information Institute)
  2. More than 5,000 people die in motorcycle crashes every day. (Insurance Information Institute)
  3. In 2019, 412 motorcyclists were killed in Texas and 1,800 suffered serious injuries. (Texas Department of Transportation)
  4. On average, at least one motorcyclist is killed every day in Texas. (Texas Department of Transportation)
  5. Only 50% of motorcycle riders wear helmets when they ride. (HG)
  6. Some data suggest 42% of all motorcycle accidents involve left-turning drivers. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
  7. Nearly 50% of motorcycle crashes resulting in a fatality are the result of drunk driving. (HG)
  8. Total annual bike injuries saw a similar rise between 2009 and 2016, jumping from 82,000 to 88,000. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
  9. In 2016, 5,286 people died in motorcycle accidents. (Insurance Information Institute)
  10. In 2017, roughly 89,000 motorcyclists were injured in serious accidents, and 5,172 riders were killed in deadly motorcycle accidents. (Insurance Information Institute)

For more information on deadly car accident statistics, consider our Distracted Driving Statistics page.

 

 

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